The start of the season will be upon us before we know itIlmor GP rider Jeremy McWilliams is set to make his return to the race track during the MotoGP test this week at the Losail circuit in Qatar.

McWilliams suffered multiple injuries after crashing out at the

test in Jerez back in November 2006  a fractured left femur, suspected fractured collarbone and the loss of a fingertip were the result  injuries that McWilliams played down and has since worked tirelessly to return to form as quickly as possible.

Following the Malaysian test last week in Sepang, the team are very keen to continue developing the bikes set up ahead of the start of the season in Qatar in March. McWilliams' team mate Andrew Pitt put in a sterling effort in Sepang clocking up 70 laps in one day however the Australian understandably has made no secret of his eagerness to once again share the responsibilities of testing.

Jeremy McWilliams said: "I had some minor work to my damaged leg on Friday in Ireland, they fiddled around with the screws in my knee to make it easier for me to train and ride. I've made good progress in the past few weeks and I'm feeling really strong, I can't wait to get back on the bike. It's been so frustrating being out since November, I've been in constant contact with the team and Andrew but nothing compares to actually getting out there and putting the bike through its paces."

"I think we're all realistic and the biggest problem we have at the moment is a lack of track time," he added, "the start of the season will be upon us before we know it so every day counts. We made great progress in Jerez before the incident so I hope we can continue going forward and see a significant improvement in Qatar and Jerez."

Mario Illien  Ilmor GP Team Principal  commented: "I'm pleased and surprised at the speed of Jeremy's recovery, he's dedicated himself to getting fit again as quickly and safely as possible. Andrew has done a good job without him but it will be great to have both of them back out on the track. I know that the team were a little disappointed with the test in Sepang, everyone is working incredibly hard and sometimes you don't progress as fast as you would like but I believe in persistence and we are at the start of a long journey in terms of development, no one is expecting overnight miracles  slow, steady progress is our goal. I'm expecting good things from both riders in Qatar."
Ilmor SRT